Pfizer Animal Health has developed the first canine dental vaccine to help prevent periodontitis, a bacterial infection that affects more than 80% of dogs and cats over three years of age.  The vaccine is intended to be used along with annual dental exams, regular brushing at home and professional ultrasonic scaling to form a complete dental care regimen for your dog.

The dental vaccine, along with your dog's other regular dental care, will help her keep her teeth longer.  We often have to pull many teeth in small breed dogs during teeth cleans.  Whether your dog loses her teeth or has them pulled, it makes it more difficult for her to eat.  Often, owners begin to feed their dogs canned food to make it a little easier to eat, but hard dry food helps prevent periodontal disease while feeding moist food puts your dog more at risk.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontitis is the inflammation of the gums and bone surrounding his teeth. Bacteria in your dog's mouth causes plaque, which will harden into tartar if it is not removed from the teeth.  This tartar and bacteria combination creates an infection that destroys the gums and bone around your pet's teeth, causing bad breath, bleeding gums and eventutally tooth loss.

Stage 1                   Stage 2                       Stage 3                      Stage

          Gingivitis           Mild Periodontitis        Moderate Periodontitis    Severe Periodontitis

This infection can be very painful for your dog and can lead to a change in eating habits and ultimately weight loss.  Additionally, as the bacteria travels through your dog's bloodstream, it can cause kidney disease, heart disease, and liver disease.

How do I know if my dog should be vaccinated?

Our veterinarians will help you decide if your dog is a good candidate to receive the dental vaccine.  There are several factors that will help influence this decision, including size, breed, and age of your dog.  For example, toy breeds usually have crowded jaws, which makes them more at risk for periodontal disease.  Breeds with "pushed in faces," like pugs, boxers, and shih tzus often have misaligned teeth, which makes it more likely for food particles to get stuck between their teeth.  Additionally, as dogs age, they are more prone to periodontitis.

Is there a dental vaccine for cats?

No. Currently, there is only a dental vaccine available for dogs.

What is the protocol for the dental vaccination?

The first vaccination must be followed with a booster three weeks later.  After that, the vaccination should be administered on a yearly basis, as part of your dog's wellness schedule.

Are there any side effects from the vaccination?

As with any other vaccination, it is possible for some pets to experience side effects as a result.  Your veterinarian will discuss these with you.

Follow these links to learn more about the dental vaccine or periodontal disease.

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